Spring Break
The Daily OrangeBig East media day spotlight shines brightest on Paulus
By Jared Diamond
Posted: 8/4/09, 6:33 PM EST Section: Sports
NEWPORT, R.I. - When Doug Marrone was hired as Syracuse's head coach, he vowed to immediately overhaul the program's image. After four dismal years of blowout losses and failed expectations, the SU name had fallen to virtual anonymity in the national consciousness.
Though the season is still a month away, it appears Marrone has already begun delivering on his promise. At the unveiling of what has become the unofficial start to its football season, SU has found itself in an increasingly unfamiliar position of relevance. And Marrone has a player who hasn't taken a snap of organized football in roughly four years to thank for it.
The Syracuse table at Big East media day, which has been rather desolate in recent years, was one of the most popular destinations here at the Hotel Viking Tuesday morning. Reporters from around the country crowded around to ask Marrone about Greg Paulus, a former standout point guard at Duke who will play football for the Orange this season.
Marrone fielded an endless stream of questions for nearly two hours about his new quarterback and had some of the most recognizable media members in the country vying for his attention. No matter that Paulus has not played football since high school, where he starred for Christian Brothers Academy in Syracuse. Or that Marrone has yet to even seen him throw a football with his own eyes.
Paulus wasn't even in attendance, but he still created the most buzz.
"I don't think there's anything he can't do," Marrone said.
Little was made about nose tackle Art Jones, who was at the event and said he has completely recovered from a chest injury that kept him out of spring football practice. Nor was there any mention that Syracuse was once again picked to finish last in the conference in the annual media poll - a key topic of conversation with former head coach Greg Robinson in Newport last year.
This day was all about Paulus.
Nevertheless, Marrone refused to call Paulus his first-string quarterback and said redshirt freshman Ryan Nassib is currently atop the depth chart. Nassib was named the starter during spring football, but speculation surrounding his job security began the moment Paulus announced his decision to sign with Syracuse.
Though the season is still a month away, it appears Marrone has already begun delivering on his promise. At the unveiling of what has become the unofficial start to its football season, SU has found itself in an increasingly unfamiliar position of relevance. And Marrone has a player who hasn't taken a snap of organized football in roughly four years to thank for it.
The Syracuse table at Big East media day, which has been rather desolate in recent years, was one of the most popular destinations here at the Hotel Viking Tuesday morning. Reporters from around the country crowded around to ask Marrone about Greg Paulus, a former standout point guard at Duke who will play football for the Orange this season.
Marrone fielded an endless stream of questions for nearly two hours about his new quarterback and had some of the most recognizable media members in the country vying for his attention. No matter that Paulus has not played football since high school, where he starred for Christian Brothers Academy in Syracuse. Or that Marrone has yet to even seen him throw a football with his own eyes.
Paulus wasn't even in attendance, but he still created the most buzz.
"I don't think there's anything he can't do," Marrone said.
Little was made about nose tackle Art Jones, who was at the event and said he has completely recovered from a chest injury that kept him out of spring football practice. Nor was there any mention that Syracuse was once again picked to finish last in the conference in the annual media poll - a key topic of conversation with former head coach Greg Robinson in Newport last year.
This day was all about Paulus.
Nevertheless, Marrone refused to call Paulus his first-string quarterback and said redshirt freshman Ryan Nassib is currently atop the depth chart. Nassib was named the starter during spring football, but speculation surrounding his job security began the moment Paulus announced his decision to sign with Syracuse.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
MSerna
posted 8/04/09 @ 9:21 PM EST
I wonder why Paulus isnt on the O'Brien watch list, i mean Aaron Corp is and he hasnt thrown a football either, http://thematadorsports.com/blog/?p=1159
Fred
posted 8/05/09 @ 9:58 AM EST
Paulus is soft and will be crushed. His Duke-ie is gonna get pushed in. Haha.
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